Content

• Steps

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder in the presence and absence of certain symptoms. Positive symptoms that appear in schizophrenia include problems with disorganized perception / thinking, and delusions or hallucinations. Negative symptoms include lack of emotional expression. The most effective way to reduce schizophrenic symptoms is to combine medication, support, and treatment.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Make an appropriate diagnosis

1. 

   Go to the doctor. Proper diagnosis of schizophrenia is an important step in symptomatic treatment of this disease. Schizophrenia is difficult to diagnose, as it has many characteristics similar to other mental illnesses. Have a referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other specialist who can make an accurate diagnosis.
   • The median age for schizophrenia is the end of adolescence to early 20s for men, and for women from late 20s to early 30s. Children under 12 Age or adults over 40 rarely develop schizophrenia.
   • Diagnosing teenage schizophrenia is not easy. This is because the first signs of the disease include common behavior among teenagers: alienation from friends, lack of interest in learning, sleep disturbances, and irritability.
   • Schizophrenia is a common genetic disease. If a loved one has schizophrenia, you have a higher risk of it compared to others.
   • African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be misdiagnosed. You should see a specialist who understands how the disease affects ethnic minorities in order to choose the most appropriate treatment.

2. 

   
   
   Understand the symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia don't usually have to show all the symptoms. The patient must have two of the manifestations over a period of time. Symptoms must have a significant effect on the patient's ability to function, and not be caused by another cause, such as drug use.
   • Delusions or hallucinations are a common symptom of schizophrenia. Hallucinations can be either sound or visual. These symptoms are often associated with many psychiatric episodes.
   • Disorganized speech is characteristic of the lack of cognitive organization in humans. The patient may have difficulty grasping, not focusing on a topic, or responding in a confused and stimulating way. This person can use imaginary words, or create his own language.
   • Disorganized behavior reflects a temporary loss of cognitive function caused by schizophrenia. It is difficult for the patient to complete the job, or to end the task unexpectedly.
   • Sleepy behavior can also be a symptom of schizophrenia. Patients may sit for hours without talking or being unaware of their surroundings.
   • Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are often mistaken for depression. Illness includes lack of emotional expression, loss of interest in everyday activities, and / or little talk.
   • Usually people with schizophrenia do not experience these symptoms and therefore refuse treatment.

3. 

   
   
   Note that you cannot judge your symptoms for yourself. One of the most difficult characteristics of schizophrenia is the difficulty in perceiving delusional thoughts. Your thoughts, ideas, and perceptions may be completely normal, but to others it is an illusion. This is often a cause of tension between the patient and their family and their community.
   • Nearly half of people diagnosed with schizophrenia often have difficulty recognizing delusional thoughts. Treatments can address lack of awareness.
   • The key to living in harmony with schizophrenia is learning how to ask for help with problem-solving or perceptions that cause problems and other symptoms.
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Method 2 of 5: Find the right medicine

1. 

   
   
   Talk to your doctor about psychiatric medications. This drug has been used to treat schizophrenic symptoms since the mid-50s. Old class antipsychotic medicine, sometimes called a typical antipsychotic medicine or antipsychotic generation 1, works to block the dopamine receptor subgroup in the brain. The new antipsychotic drug, also known as atypical antipsychotic medication, blocks specific serotonin receptors as well as receptors.
   • 1st generation antipsychotics include drugs such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, trifluoperazine, perphenazine, and fluphenazine.
   • 2nd generation antipsychotics include clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, paliperidone, and ziprasidone.

2. 

   Watch for undesirable side effects. Antipsychotics often have quite strong side effects. Most side effects usually go away after a few days. These include blurred vision, drowsiness, sensitivity to the sun, skin itching, and weight gain. Women may experience menstrual problems.
   • It takes a while to find the right medicine. Your doctor may try several drugs, and combine them. Each person reacts differently to medications.
   • Clozapine (Clozaril) can cause leukopenia in the blood. If your doctor prescribes clozapine, you need to have a blood test every one or two weeks.
   • People gain weight on antipsychotic drugs can cause diabetes and / or high cholesterol.
   • The use of 1st generation antipsychotics can cause a chronic nervous system disorder (TD). TD causes muscle cramps, usually around the mouth.
   • Other side effects of antipsychotics include rigidity, tremors, muscle spasms, and restlessness. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing these side effects.

3. 

   Remember that medication is only for symptom relief. Although drugs play an important role in reducing schizophrenic symptoms, they cannot cure the disease by themselves. This is just a symptom relief tool. Psychological interventions such as personal therapy, social skills training, vocational rehabilitation, job support, and family therapy can also help control conditions.
   • Find more information about possible treatment options for medications to relieve symptoms.

4. 

   Patience. It can take a few days, weeks, or even longer to be effective. Most patients see encouraging results six weeks after taking the drug, but for others it takes several months to improve.
   • If you do not see improvement after six weeks, you should see your doctor. You will receive an increase or decrease in the dosage, or change to another drug.
   • Do not stop taking antipsychotic medication abruptly. If you want to stop taking medication, you should consult your doctor.
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Method 3 of 5: Seek support

1. 

   Be frank with your doctor. A strong support system is one of the key factors for successful treatment of schizophrenia. The support team can include mental health professionals, family, and friends and people who share the same medical condition as you.
   • Talk to friends and family about your symptoms. They can help you access the mental health system for treatment.
   • Usually, people with schizophrenia have difficulty managing a stable and sustainable family. If you can stay with your family during this difficult time, you can leave it to your family to take care of you until your symptoms improve.
   • Residential forms, such as group homes or support homes, provide support for schizophrenic patients. Each province has a different housing policy. You can seek information from the relevant government agency or other mental health professional to find out about this service.

2. 

   Talk to your doctor or therapist. Effective, direct communication with a therapist helps you get the best form of therapy from them. Being straightforward about your symptoms helps your doctor to prescribe accordingly, not too much or too little.
   • You can look for another specialist if you feel your current doctor is not meeting your needs. Do not stop drug treatment without a backup plan.
   • Talk to your doctor about treatment problems, medication side effects, persistent symptoms, or other concerns.
   • Your participation plays an important role in effective symptom treatment. This method will work best if you work with the care team.

3. 

   Join a support group. Schizophrenic stigma can cause more discomfort than symptoms. In a support group of people who also have an illness, you can share your experiences with others. Joining a support group has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the difficulty of living with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
   • In the United States, peer support groups are offered by mental health organizations, such as Schizophrenics Anonymous (SA) and NAMI. For more details, you can search your local support group information on the internet.
   • In developed countries like the United States, peer support groups are also set up online. SA offers a support group via conference call. You can find a support group that is right for you.
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Method 4 of 5: Follow a healthy lifestyle

1. 

   Healthy eating. Studies have shown that people with schizophrenia often eat unhealthy foods compared to normal people. Lack of physical activity and smoking are also common in schizophrenic patients. Research shows that to reduce symptoms of paralysis, you need to eat a diet low in saturated fat, high in fatty acids that don't produce cholesterol, and low in sugar.
   • Nerve-Derived Nerve Tissue Impact Factor (BDNF) is a protein active in the part of the brain involved in research, memory, and high thinking. The evidence is not conclusive, but there are hypotheses that a high-fat and high-sugar diet can worsen schizophrenia symptoms.
   • Unhealthy eating can cause secondary health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, or obesity.
   • Eat a lot of probiotics. Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that help improve gut quality. Many health-conscious treatment for schizophrenic symptoms requires a diet that includes probiotics. Sauerkraut and tofu soup are two good sources of probiotics. Probiotics are sometimes added to foods and are available in the form of nutritional supplements.
   • Avoid products containing casein. Some people with schizophrenia react negatively to casein, an ingredient in dairy products.

2. 

   Give up smoking. People with schizophrenia often smoke more than normal people. One study estimated that more than 75% of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia smoke cigarettes.
   • Nicotine can temporarily improve thinking, which is why people with schizophrenia choose to smoke. However, this is only a temporary effect. This substance does not counteract the long-term negative effects of smoking.
   • Most smokers started smoking before the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia appeared. Research has yet to conclude whether tobacco smoke makes people more susceptible to schizophrenia, or whether smoking is much a side effect of antipsychotics.

3. 

   Try a gluten-free diet. Gluten is the common name for the proteins found in most grains. Many people with schizophrenia are also sensitive to gluten. They may have a digestive disorder that causes a negative reaction to gluten.
   • People with schizophrenia are three times more likely to develop digestive disorders. In general, people who are sensitive to gluten are more likely to experience mental problems. This leads to a hypothetical link between mental health and gluten.
   • Research has yet to reach conclusions about the health benefits of a gluten-free diet.

4. 

   Try the ketogenic regimen. This diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates but still provides enough protein. Originally used as a treatment for seizure disorder, this diet has been used to treat a number of mental health problems. During a ketogenic diet, the body starts burning fat instead of sugar, avoiding the production of additional insulin.
   • There is not enough data to show that this regimen can completely overcome schizophrenia symptoms, but some people still want to do it if their symptoms are not improved by other methods.
   • The ketogenic diet is also called the Adkins diet, or the Paleo diet.

5. 

   Add Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Studies show that a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids helps with schizophrenia symptoms. The benefits of Omega-3 are enhanced if the diet contains antioxidants. This substance plays a role in the development of schizophrenic symptoms.
   • Fish oil capsules provide a rich source of Omega-3. You should also eat cold water fish, such as salmon or mackerel, for a boost of Omega-3. Other foods rich in Omega-3 include pecans, avocados, flaxseeds or others.
   • Take 2 to 4 grams of Omega-3 per day.
   • Foods high in antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, and melatonin, have been shown to help reduce schizophrenic symptoms.
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Method 5 of 5: Treatment of schizophrenia with therapy

1. 

   Get Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive personal therapy has been shown to help patients with poorly adaptive behavior and beliefs. CBT does not have much of a direct impact on schizophrenic symptoms, but it helps patients adhere to the treatment program, and has an effective impact on overall quality of life. In addition, group therapy is also effective.
   • CBT should be done once a week for 12-15 weeks for best results. Therapy sessions can be repeated if needed.
   • In some countries, such as the UK, CBT is a more popular treatment for schizophrenia compared to an antipsychotic medication. However, other countries still cannot reach CBT effectively.

2. 

   Psychological education treatment. This is a form of treatment with the aim of educating the patient on symptoms and effects on life. Research suggests that understanding schizophrenic symptoms helps you understand how these symptoms affect you, and is well equipped to manage them.
   • One of the characteristics of schizophrenia is lack of understanding, impulsiveness, and lack of clear planning. Understanding the results of the diagnosis helps you make choices regarding situations that negatively impact your life.
   • Education is a long process, not a short-term goal. This form of treatment should play a role when working with a therapist, and can be combined with other treatments, such as CBT.

3. 

   Consider electrocardiographic (ECT) therapy. Research has shown that ECT offers certain benefits in schizophrenic patients. This method is for people with chronic depression. This is a common form of treatment in the EU, and there are currently not many studies supporting the use of this method to treat schizophrenia. However, some studies in symptomatic people who have not responded to other methods have responded well to ECT.
   • ECT is usually given three times a week. Patients may require a minimum of three or four sessions or up to 12 to 15. Modern ECT is as painless as it was in the decades before the early ECT.
   • Dementia is the main negative side effect of ECT. Memory problems usually recover in a few months after your last treatment.

4. 

   Use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for symptom relief. This is an experimental method that has proven promising in a number of studies. However, the data for this approach is still quite limited. This treatment is used to correct sound hallucinations.
   • Research has shown prospects for people with severe, persistent, or "auditory hallucinations."
   • The course of treatment consists of applying TMS for 16 minutes daily for four consecutive days.
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